Computer Engineer Post-Bachelor

Overview

What You Will Do

• Hands-on experience developing firmware for microprocessors or microcontrollers.
• Proficiency in C and/or C++ for low-level or embedded software development.
• Understanding of microprocessor concepts such as memory maps, registers, interrupts, and boot behavior.
• Experience debugging embedded systems using hardware debuggers (e.g., JTAG or SWD).
• Ability to read and understand hardware schematics and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with common digital communication interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART).
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with technical writing or documentation.
• Contribute to a healthy and inclusive work environment, resolving conflicts positively and showing kindness and respect toward others.

Location and eligibility

• Work Location:
  
  onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at management discretion.
• Work Schedule:
  
  5-40 or 9-80 schedule during normal hours.
• Note:
  
  Some statements refer to the National Defense Authorization Act and facility access; see original policy notes for details.

• Develop, test, and debug firmware for microprocessors and microcontrollers, primarily using C and/or C++.
• Implement low-level drivers and firmware to control on-board peripherals such as GPIO, timers, UART, SPI, and I2C.
• Support processor bring-up activities, including boot configuration, memory mapping, interrupt handling, and basic peripheral initialization.
• Debug firmware-hardware interactions using standard laboratory equipment (e.g., JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters).
• Read and interpret schematics and hardware documentation to ensure correct firmware implementation.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on hardware design, providing firmware input on processor selection, pin assignments, interfaces, and system-level tradeoffs.
• Assist in testing experiments and diagnostic equipment involving embedded systems.
• Support prototype development and system integration efforts, including troubleshooting and iterative refinement.
• Read, interpret, and implement engineering instructions, schematics, layouts, and other technical specifications.
• Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees; maintain required safety and security training and ensure compliance.

As a part of the Safeguards and Technology Group within the Nuclear Engineering and Nonproliferation (NEN) Division, you will support nuclear engineering projects focused on safety and nonproliferation. This role involves implementing microprocessors and developing low-level firmware that interfaces directly with custom hardware, and collaborating with a skilled team of engineers and technicians on nonproliferation and safeguard initiatives.

• Hands-on experience developing firmware for microprocessors or microcontrollers.
• Proficiency in C and/or C++ for low-level or embedded software development.
• Understanding of microprocessor concepts such as memory maps, registers, interrupts, and boot behavior.
• Experience debugging embedded systems using hardware debuggers (e.g., JTAG or SWD).
• Ability to read and understand hardware schematics and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with common digital communication interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART).
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with technical writing or documentation.
• Contribute to a healthy and inclusive work environment, resolving conflicts positively and showing kindness and respect toward others.

Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering with an embedded systems emphasis from an accredited institution completed within the past 3 years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering with an embedded systems emphasis

• Experience supporting processor bring-up on custom hardware.
• Exposure to embedded system testing, validation, or prototype development.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex firmware-hardware interactions.
• Experience working with FPGA-based systems, such as configuring, integrating, or interfacing embedded processors with FPGA logic.

Work Location:

Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at management discretion. Equal Opportunity: LANL is an equal opportunity employer. The Laboratory is committed to accessibility and provides reasonable accommodations upon request.

• Security and compliance notes and drug testing requirements apply as described in policy documents.
• Incentive Compensation Program:
  See LANL Student Programs page for details.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parental leave, 401(k) with matching, tuition assistance, PTO and holidays, onsite gyms, and relocation packages.

How to Apply

• Submit a resume and cover letter explaining how you meet each…